Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) in collaboration with Harvard Library, the Institute for Quantitative Social Science (IQSS), and Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) hosts Harvard's Dataverse Networks (IQSS and CfA) and maintains a full backup of all data and directories. This means that there is always full, recent off-site copy of Harvard's Dataverse Networks data repository.
Backup Schedule
HUIT backs up all of the application/system files and databases nightly. It is stored off-site in Carlstadt, New Jersey for 45 days.
All research data files in the repository are replicated hourly to a second off-site storage array at 1 Summer St, Boston, MA.
Since March 2013, HUIT incorporated Harvard's Dataverse Networks' data content into the DRS Storage Infrastructure. This makes use of the storage management software to create a tape copy of the data to be stored at the Harvard Depository.
Policy and Procedures for Digital Archiving
Harvard University's policy for digital archiving is part of the institution's general mission to preserve all of its archival collections and to ensure their availability for current and future use. More specifically, this policy for preserving our digital data collections is meant to ensure continued access to born digital and digitized data, to ensure their authenticity, and to maintain data quality using the best digital archival practices.
Harvard University (in particular with support from IQSS and CfA) commits to best archival practice to ensure that all materials deposited in the archive remain available and usable. This includes: preserving previously deposited versions of materials; deaccessioning (removal) of studies only when legally compelled; maintaining public access to the materials; regularly reviewing risks to materials; and reformatting materials as necessary and if possible to avoid format obsolescence.
Preservation of Materials Deposited in Harvard's Dataverse Networks
Harvard University supports permanent bit-level preservation of all studies directly deposited in Harvard's Dataverse Networks.
In addition all data deposited in the IQSS Dataverse Network and made available to the public is replicated by the Data-PASS partners for permanent preservation by the partnership.
Notwithstanding Harvard University's commitment to archival preservation, all questions about finding, using and archiving data distributed by others in the Harvard's Dataverse Networks should be referred to individual dataverse owners. Owners of individual dataverses have sole control over selection of materials, choice of archival practices, documentation, access policies, usability, and formatting of all material in these dataverses; and individual dataverse owners may choose to restrict access to information in their dataverses.